OVER THE COUNTER: Your household cleaners may have a dirty secret

Tuesday

Apr 25, 2017 at 9:18 AM

By Steve Bernardi and Gary Kracoff/Daily News Correspondents

April is Earth Month, when the world pays tribute to everything around us – the air we breathe, the trees and plants that color and nurture our lives, and the wildlife that keeps our ecosystems in balance.

While we typically think of nature as something only outdoors, it’s also important to know that the environment extends into our homes.

Why? First, much of what we use in our house eventually goes outside, into our land and waterways. Second, we spend much of our time inside our homes, so if we have harmful chemicals there, they become constant company.

Besides your garage, the places where you probably have a no-no list of toxins may surprise you: It’s your bathroom, laundry room and kitchen. Yes, we’re talking about household cleaners, and just because they are sold at your local grocery store or drugstore within reach of any child doesn’t mean that they cannot cause harm.

Solutions that clear drains, clean ovens, and bleach clothes and tubs typically contain harmful, corrosive poisons that shouldn’t be touched, ingested or inhaled. Most of these harsh cleaners can also cause trouble when mixed accidentally with other cleaners, because they can cause chemical reactions. Combining bleach and ammonia, for example, can create a toxic gas. Unfortunately, a number of common bathroom and kitchen cleaners contain either bleach or ammonia, so there’s a good chance you have them stored next to each other in your cabinets.

Other types of products may appear less toxic but nonetheless are saturated with harsh chemicals that are harmful if ingested or inhaled and can bother the skin if touched. Many common cleaners are harmful even when used properly, and have ingredients that some have suggested may cause cancer, trigger asthma or contribute to birth defects.

The Environmental Working Group, a national nonprofit research organization, has found that more than half of the cleaning products it reviewed pose a potential risk to the lungs, and about two in 10 could contribute to the development of asthma, because they contain chemicals such as benzalkonium chloride. In addition, some of the cleaners contain formaldehyde and other ingredients believed to cause cancer, such as 1,4-dioxane and chloroform. Still, others contain chemicals such as sodium borate or borax that cause hormonal changes.

Unfortunately, even several cleaners marketed as “green” or “non-toxic” can still contain the same harmful ingredients — such as volatile organic compounds — as those found in conventional soaps and detergents, according to a 2015 study published in the journal Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health.

So, what can you do to protect your health and the health of your family? Start by avoiding most commercial products, or at least reduce the amount that you use. When you do use these cleaners, wear protective gloves and keep windows and vents open. Also, read the labels to prevent accidents and misuse. And keep these cleaners away from kids.

Next, inform yourself about what’s in these bottles, sprays and wipes. Read ingredient lists and labels, and avoid anything that promises to kill viruses, bacteria and mold. We know, that sounds counterintuitive, but these disinfectants typically contain hazardous chemicals — types of pesticides — according to the Environmental Working Group. Unless there’s some nasty communicable diseases going around your house, you will find old-fashioned soap and water can wash away most germs.

Also, beware of “bleach alternatives,” as these detergents often use oxygen bleach, which is irritating and corrosive, just as chlorine is, according to researchers. Enzymes can also pose risks and exacerbate asthma, so be wary of these ingredients, and stay away from cleaners with perfumes as these can trigger allergic reactions.

The best option is replace conventional cleaners with truly safe ones. You can make your own products using harmless ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, or you can buy cleaners — which may be more effective and convenient — with the Green Seal and EcoLogo labels. According to the Environmental Working Group, those labels are the best available guarantees of safety. The group’s website also has recommendations for products that meet its standards.

Fortunately, there are an increasing number of innovative and creative companies making cleaners that are not toxic and that use natural ingredients, such as nuts that produce saponin to clean clothing; sodium bicarbonate to clean and deodorize; or coconut, hemp and other oils mixed with potassium hydroxide to create mild household soaps.

Finally, remember that just as our diets can and should have some “good” bacteria, fungus and yeasts, a few germs in our homes won’t harm us. In fact, a few germs on the table is better than showering the table with harsh disinfectants.

As grandma used to say, there are few spills or messes that soap, water and a little “elbow grease” can’t take care of.

Steve Bernardi is a compounding pharmacist and Dr. Gary Kracoff is a registered pharmacist and a naturopathic doctor at Johnson Compounding &amp; Wellness in Waltham, Mass. For more information, visit www.naturalcompounder.com. Readers with questions about natural or homeopathic medicine, compounded medications, or health in general can e-mail steveandgary@naturalcompounder.com or call 781-893-3870.